It is always nice to talk to people who traveled to that particular place you're eyeing for. Once such friend dismissed us vehemently not to go to Vijayapura (Bijapura). His exact words and we quote "Apart from Gol Gumbaz, the city is dry, dusty, and dull. You like to travel does not mean that you have to go everywhere in the world". Obviously we didn't follow his suggestion as you could see several posts chronicling our journey. Bijapura is definitely much more than Gol Gumbaz if one is interested in history, architecture, and ruins.
One such dilapidated building is Mehtar Mahal. Entry to the Mahal was closed when we reached there. Neither there was anyone to tell us whether it is open for visitors nor any sign board to mention the time. And strangely it is situated beside the busy road.
This lean three-storey structure is flanked by two columns on either side is entrance to Mehtar Mosque and garden. The mosque was built by a Mehtar (sweeper) of King's court by collecting gold hailed upon him by king during his service. Timeline of the palace is said to be 1620, during Ibrahim Adil Shah II's tenure.
We thought of coming back again in the evening, but in the chaos of the day's activities we could not find time or energy to return. It would be nice if we could explore this Indo-Saracenic architecture. Maybe next time around.
From Mehtar we headed to Taj Bawdi, a water reservoir. Entrance was through an arch surmounted by two large octagonal towers on either side. The thing repelled us the most was trash floating on this otherwise beautiful water tank. It breaks our heart to see sheer negligence in handling a piece of history in this reckless manner.
This Bawdi was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his queen Taj Sultan in 1620. If you remember he is the king who constructed Ibrahim Rouza for the same queen.
The measurement of this square-shaped reservoir is 223 square feet and depth is 52 feet. An aisle runs along each side with resting rooms at its left, right and front. It is said this reservoir was also used for various water sports, hence the construction of rest houses. The passage was in shambles that we could not walk through. Few people were swimming to reach those stony rest rooms. Though flight of stairs lead to the water, we did not dare seeing the filth and stench. Those days water was supplied to the cities through the tunnels from the bawdies. There is historical evidence to show Adil Shahi's had mastered the art of water supplying and water harvesting. There are numerous Bawdies in Bijapura, however, Taj is considered the biggest and artistic.
We are the people who would love to spend time on such piece of history, but due to its poor maintenance we had to rush out hurriedly. The administration should and must take some measures to restore this beautiful pond that has history of four hundred years.
Tips
Entry: Free
Time: Anytime
Season: Any Season
Nearby Attraction: Ibrahim Rouza, Gol Gumbaz, Bara Kaman, Saat Kabar, Malik-E-Maidan, Navarasa Mahal, Juma Mosque, Upli Burj
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